“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” JOHN 14:27 ESV 

Throughout her life, my great-aunt Ann had such a peaceful persona about her. Her character was that of a true angel, seemingly never committing any wrongdoing and never exemplifying an ounce of fear. However, her life and circumstances were far from perfect. We watched her experience cancer, a dysfunctional family, being ripped off in business, and taken advantage of for insane amounts of money—simultaneously! That kind of stress would drive any normal human being into complete despair. But Ann wasn’t normal. 

I remember my mom exasperatingly pleading with her, “Ann! Don’t you see everything that is happening?! Don’t you understand what is going on in your body and what these low-life losers have done to rob you?” Ann just listened patiently, sat in her recliner, and shrugged her shoulders, “Well, praise the Lord!” she softly said. It made me chuckle because the circumstances were so insane yet her reaction was so cute. Goodness gracious, nothing moved her. She always knew God had everything under control, and since that was enough for her, Ann lived in peace. 

Living in peace does not mean there is an absence of conflict. Rather, peace is when we choose to embody harmony and tranquility in our hearts and minds despite all circumstances. I know that is easier said than done. However, perfect love casts out fear. When we fully understand how much we are loved by God, we can be confident that He has everything under control. And even when things seem out of control, it doesn’t matter; knowing who He is allows peace to become second nature. 

Peace brings an overwhelming amount of patience, understanding, and compassion. It also clothes us with dignity and strength, where we can still experience joy and laugh without any fear of the future. 

God wants to free you from unhealthy fears. He wants to strip you from forming your identity around the bad things that have happened to you. Fully embrace His love; when you do, it will cast out all fear! 

God, give me peace today. I refuse to get worked up today over things I can’t control. I choose to trust You joyfully. Amen. 

This is an excerpt from Goodness Gracious: 90 Unfiltered Devotions for This Sometimes-Too-Serious Life by Hannah Crews – a devotional now available on DaySpring.com. Shop all books, journals, and devotions from DaySpring here.